University of Massachusetts

Alberto Visintin

Douglas T Golenbock

Eicke Latz

Sanjay Ram

Jutamas Shaughnessy

Fusion proteins comprising human FH domains 18-20 (FH18-20) linked via an optional linker to IgG Fc, wherein the FH has mutation of D to G at position 1119 in domain 19; FHD1119G/Fc), and methods of use thereof, e.g., to treat pathogen infections.

Factor H-Fc immunotheraphy

Methods of identifying compounds that modulate the interaction between a TLR and a molecule that interacts with the TLR by direct binding or by inclusion in a complex that associates with the TLR are described. Methods of identifying molecules that interact with a TLR are also described.

Toll-like receptor assays

Chimeric molecules that include a pathogen recognition module derived from a pathogen binding domain of a pathogen recognition protein, e.g., a toll-like receptor (TLR), CD14, BPI, MD-2, scavenger receptors (SRs), surfactant proteins (SP), C-reactive protein (CRP), Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), or complement Clq globular binding domain, an optional linker, and an Fc portion of an antibody are described and are useful for, e.g., drug discovery and treatment of conditions related to TLR signaling.

Anti-pathogen immunoadhesins

TLR9 is localized to endoplasmic reticulum and upon stimulation with a TLR9 ligand, is transported to a tubular lysosomal compartment as is CpG-DNA. Furthermore, it is shown that TLR9 and CpG-DNA directly bind. It was also found that the MyD88 translocates in response to activation of TLR9-mediated signaling. Methods of identifying compounds that affect translocation and activity of TLR9 and MyD88 are described.

Growing community of inventors

Worcester, MA, United States of America

Alberto Visintin